Mael - the vigil

Treb Ciach was in full preparation for the Great Festival of Samhain. Turnips carved with macabre faces hung like lanterns across the streets, stalls were being set up in the square, and the villagers were busy with last-minute tasks. The excitement was evident: only one day remained until one of the village's most important celebrations. Among the villagers, Mael had arrived from his more distant residence next to the old Druid Marban and was already quite busy. Known for his presence in the preparations, he helped organize things, attended to the inhabitants' requests, and checked if everything was in order. From time to time, someone would call him to solve some small problem. While carrying some materials through the square, he noticed a person he didn't recognize among the familiar faces of Treb Ciach. The stranger seemed to be observing the village's activity, but there was something in his way of looking around that suggested he was searching for something beyond the festivities. After putting the materials away, Mael approached, discreetly wiping his hands.
"I don't remember seeing you around here before."
His tone was cordial, accompanied by genuine curiosity.
"Are you coming for the big Samhain festival? We're in the final preparations, would you like to help us? Things are quite hectic here."
He paused briefly, glancing at the square before turning his attention back to the stranger, a fleeting smile appearing on his face as he awkwardly scratched the back of his neck.